Share this content:

• With training in music, musical theatre, and acting, he stands out for his sensitivity and stage versatility

• In just one month, RTVE received 270 applications from children aged 9 to 14 hoping to succeed Chloe DelaRosa

• The selection process began at the end of May with an online casting and concluded in mid-July with an in-person audition in Madrid

Gonzalo Pinillos will represent Spain at the 23rd Junior Eurovision Song Contest, organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), to be held in Tbilisi, Georgia, on December 13. Gonzalo follows in the footsteps of Chloe DelaRosa, whose song “Como la Lola” earned Spain sixth place last year at the contest held in Madrid.

Gonzalo has a background in music, musical theatre, and acting, and is known for his emotional depth and versatility on stage. Representing Spain at the Junior Eurovision is a dream come true for the young performer:
“I’m super happy to represent Spain and to be able to do what I love most —sing— in front of so many people. My goal is to learn a lot, to have a great time, and I aim for the best possible result,” he said.

In his first press conference as Head of Delegation, César Vallejo expressed his excitement and deep respect for both RTVE and Eurovision fans:
“I hope you’ll join us on this journey. I want you to feel that this delegation is also yours. I’m open to hearing your suggestions on how we can improve.”

Sergio Calderón, director of TVE, described this new phase in the children’s contest as “very exciting”: “This event once again highlights RTVE’s commitment to music and does so through the kindest people to have around—children.”

RTVE’s Director of Communications and Participation, María Eizaguirre, praised Gonzalo’s natural musicality: “Music runs through his veins. He’s pure sensitivity and his voice speaks straight to the heart.” She also urged the public to be kind and respectful on social media in supporting Spain’s Junior Eurovision representative.

Who is Gonzalo Pinillos?

With comprehensive training, stage experience, and a constant learning mindset, 14-year-old Madrid native Gonzalo Pinillos approaches the Junior Eurovision 2025 with both enthusiasm and preparation. His candidacy represents a commitment to young, versatile artistic talent and marks another milestone in his promising career.

The piano is one of his greatest passions. He began studying it, along with music theory, at age six and has continued ever since. His journey in musical theatre began in 2020, quickly advancing to professional-level classes in singing, acting, and dance.

On stage, Gonzalo has played Pierre Morhange in the award-winning Madrid production of “Les Choristes” (The Chorus), appeared in “School of Rock”, and has been cast in the upcoming “Oliver Twist” musical premiering this November at Teatro La Latina in Madrid.

He says this experience gives him confidence for the contest:
“Of course, this will be very different from anything I’ve done before, but I’m not nervous like it’s my first time on stage.” One of the key skills he brings from musical theatre, he says, is the ability to sing while telling a story: “That’s exactly what I enjoy most interpreting what I’m singing.”

TVE’s director praised Gonzalo’s unique presence: “He has something special that captivates. His voice will win you over and give you goosebumps. When he sings, it goes straight to the heart. It inspires, it motivates, and we must give him our full support.” Calderón also noted that many great artists have begun their careers at RTVE, “the home of Spanish music,” and that Gonzalo deserves the utmost respect.

Gonzalo was a finalist in RTVE’s casting for Junior Eurovision 2024:
“I set this goal for myself and I’ve achieved it,” he said. His favourite genres are Pop and Musical Theatre, and his musical inspirations include Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Aitana, David Bisbal, and Sebastián Yatra.

A Record-Breaking Casting Process

On May 25, RTVE launched the online casting call for Junior Eurovision 2025. Reflecting the contest’s popularity in Spain, 270 applications were submitted.

The in-person auditions were held last Monday at Prado del Rey (Madrid). Twelve children, aged 9 to 14, were selected for this final stage. The jury—composed of César Vallejo, María Eizaguirre, Sergio Calderón, Ana María Bordas, Miriam García Corrales, and Verónica Ferreiro—unanimously selected Gonzalo Pinillos.

Vallejo noted that selecting just one child is always difficult because “no two children are alike, and each one brings something different.” But he admitted that Gonzalo “really impressed and moved us. His is a distinctive proposal that could even win us Junior Eurovision.”

Gonzalo described the casting as very fun and shared a memorable moment from his audition: “I was a bit nervous at first, and just before I started singing, there was a little issue with the backing track… But I had prepared everything really well, put in a lot of work, and honestly, it went great. I think it’s one of the best performances I’ve ever done.”

With Spain’s representative now selected, RTVE is working on choosing and producing the song that best suits Gonzalo’s style and strengths. Gonzalo knows what he hopes for: “I’d love to sing a ballad with a beautiful message, and if I could play the piano at some point, that would be amazing.” His main goal when performing is “to make the listener feel what I’m feeling.” “Even though I don’t have the song yet, I’ve already imagined myself on the Tbilisi stage singing it,” he confessed.

Vocal coach Verónica Ferreiro highlighted Gonzalo’s potential: “He has a beautiful tone, strong technique for his age, and a look of innocence that will be magnetic for listeners.” She also emphasized his “strong work ethic.”

According to César Vallejo, RTVE plans to make the most of Gonzalo’s talents: “We’ll create a tailor-made song for him. We’ve talked to several composers, and I think there will be some surprises. He’ll also take part in the songwriting process.” Gonzalo is eager to see the result: “I’m excited to see the staging, to step onto the stage, and to connect with the audience through my song.”

The music video for the selected entry will be filmed in September and submitted to the EBU.

Photos: RTVE